§ 62. Mr. Gordon Macdonaldasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the increase in child delinquency in different parts of the country; whether he will give the latest statistics available; and what action is being taken to bring about a reduction in these figures?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonIn June last the Home Office and the Board of Education in consultation prepared a memorandum on this subject, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. As indicated in that memorandum, action is called for 304 in various directions along a number of lines and especially in the direction of promoting healthy interests and activities and diverting youthful energies into right channels Copies of the memorandum were sent to local education authorities, justices and voluntary organisations with a request that they should as quickly as possible develop remedial measures in each locality. War conditions increase our difficulties in this important matter, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the Home Office and the Board of Education will continue to give the problem close attention.